Yonatan Shamriz, founder of the "Kumu" movement and brother of deceased hostage Alon Shamriz, has decided to enter the political arena, sources close to him confirmed to Walla on Thursday.
According to N12 News, Shamriz is currently debating whether to join an existing party or to launch his own. A poll conducted by Mano Geva, which projected a list led by Shamriz, could secure six Knesset seats.
Sources close to Shamriz told Walla that he is "seriously considering" creating his own party to "represent the new generation that has decided to stand up and take responsibility for this country."
Shamriz had reportedly been holding talks with relevant parties for several months, but waited to finalize his decision until a ceasefire agreement had been reached and the remaining hostages were released from Gaza.
Alon Shamriz was kidnapped by Hamas from Kfar Aza on October 7 and mistakenly killed by the IDF in December 2023. Following his brother's death, Yonatan became increasingly critical of the government and initiated the Civilian October 7 memorial ceremony.
Calls for gov't accountability following Oct. 7
Since his brother’s death, and citing his unhappiness with the government's lack of accountability following the October 7 massacre, Shamriz established the "Kumu" movement, which focuses on social healing.
At the second annual civilian memorial ceremony, Shamriz declared that this generation "would wash away the failures that previous generations left us."
“This will be the best version of Israel: a nation that sanctifies the lives of its sons and daughters. A nation of truth, responsibility, and mutual solidarity. A nation that cherishes life and stands firm against every threat. We will ensure the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, so that ‘never again’ truly means never again. We will lay the foundations for a better future for our children.”